Today’s Pickup: Volvo tests self-driving garbage truck

Good morning.

While much of the nation is beginning to feel the first effects of summer with temperatures soaring to record highs in many areas, maybe it’s time to talk trash. Volvo Group is testing a self-driving refuse truck. The truck allows a driver to walk behind the vehicle collecting refuse container. Using sensors and radar, the truck autonomously moves to the next location. Volvo envisions the vehicle being used in areas of high density. You can read more about it on Waste360.

Did you know?

According to Satish Jindel, president of SJ Consulting Group, 23% of all for-hire freight tonnage can be attributed to retail accounts. The Commerce Department said sales at non-store retailers (online) represented 10.8% of total U.S. food and retail sales in April. Read How retail trends are reshaping freight movement for more great retail freight nuggets.

Quotable:

“People precipitate economics. It’s not the other way around. Let your shipping and logistics business decisions be a product of understanding people.”

– Ken Gronbach, demographer and futurist